Return of the native virtuoso

By Gavin Phipps / STAFF REPORTER

Between 1988 and 1997, violoncellist Sun Hsiao-mei (孫小媚) shared the stage with some of the greatest names on the New York classical scene. She appeared with ensembles such as the La Guardia Symphony and the Manhattan Chamber Symphony.

Returning to Taiwan briefly in 1997, Sun took time to enthrall local audiences with her virtuoso performances. She played to packed-houses in her native Kaoshiung, as well as in Taichung and Nantou.

After this brief sojourn to her homeland, Sun returned to the US where she continued to perform with some of the US' leading figures in the world of classical music. Sun returned again to Taiwan late last year and now works on the faculty of two of Kaoshiung's leading universities.

In the short time Sun has been back in her native Taiwan, she has already been dubbed one of the nation's greatest violoncellists by many of her peers.

In a show this weekend, Sun will be performing classical works by Beethoven, Ligeti, Messaien and Rachmaninoff. Japanese pianist Naoko Takao will be accompanying Sun tomorrow night.

Sun Hsiao-mei will perform at the National Concert Hall (國家音樂廳) at 7:30pm, tomorrow. Tickets range from NT$150 to NT$350 and are available at the door.